The Performing Arts Department builds creative artists with strong foundational skills and adventuresome spirits. Students receive conservatory-caliber training that prepares them for graduate studies or a career in the performing arts, while developing the critical thinking and communication skills that are the hallmark of a liberal arts education.

All majors and minors take a sequence of courses in their chosen discipline that emphasize performance practice, history and theory, and criticism and analysis. Students are also encouraged to explore interdisciplinary pathways, through classes and performance opportunities beyond their home program.

The Performing Arts Department offers four distinct majors and minors:

The capstone of the Performing Arts degree is the senior project, for which students produce a substantial original research paper or artistic work demonstrating their command of creative and intellectual skills appropriate to the undertaking.

Impure Thoughts (without apology)

Join us for the Pre & Post Production discussions:

On Sor Juana: Making Space for Women in the New World Maria Ruiz (Global & Regional Studies) and Frances Sweeney (World Languages) explore the life, work and continuing relevance of Sor Juana, called the “tenth muse” and “first feminist of the Americas.” Free and open to the public. Friday, April 27 6:45-7:30 pm Delphine Lounge

Meet the Playwright: Saturday, April 28 Playwright Ken Prestininzi joins us for a post-show discussion with audience and members of the cast.

Scholarships

You may qualify for a Saint Mary’s Performing Arts Scholarship in Dance, Music or Theatre. Learn more.

Perfa Alumni Connect!

Help us celebrate the Performing Arts 25th Anniversary by telling us what you are up to!